Madhu-Meh-Aantak Churna - Herbs for Diabetes and its complications

Madhumehantak Churna is a potent combination of rejuvenating herbs used in Ayurveda since 5000 B.C. for diabetes and its complications.The herbs are in use as a traditional remedy for diabtes. These herbs for diabetes act together in a synergistic manner and are effective herbs to control sugar level naturally. Latest researches on Salacia oblonga and Pterocarpus proves their efficacy to control sugar levels naturally and prevention of complications. Vizaysaar bark is used in many countries now for making wooden “Miracle” tumbler/glass for keeping the water overnight and consuming early morning to keep the sugar level under control. This product is a combination of unique herbs to effectively control diabetes. The herbs Bitter gourd, Gymnema and Eugenia has their definite role in bringing the level of sugar under control.

Herbs in Madhu-Meh-Aantak Churna

Madhumehantak is purely a herbal formulation without any chemicals added into it. The ingredients are frequently used in Ayurvedic system of medicine since 5,000 B.C. without any side effects.

Dosage : 1 to 2 teaspoonful to tablespoonfuls twice daily, 1/2 hour before meals, either with plain water or with iced tea (Sugar free) or apple juice.

HERBS FOR DIABETES

1. Saptrangi

Salacia oblonga is a wonderful herbal remedy for diabetes. It is a tree whose bark is effective in controlling diabetes. The root is also used to control sugar level naturally. It is extensively studied in the western herbal schools, but in Ayurveda it is being used since ages. The herb have been found to have speical active ingredients which are very useful herbal remedies for diabetes.

2. Vizaysaar

Pterocarpus marsupium is a big tree whose bark is very useful for diabetes. The bark of the tree is made into a wooden glass and the glass is termed as “The miracle cure for diabetes”. Some water is kept in the wooden glass overnight and is consumed early morning by diabetes patients. The color of the water changes to brown and glass is changed after around 1 month when the water color does not change.This is a wonderful and effective diabetes herbal remedy.

3. Gurmaar

Gymnema sylvestrae - In Hindi language, "Gur" means Sugar and "Maar" mean Kill. Gurmaar means "The sugar killer". It is a twine that is known since ages in Ayurveda for its sugar controlling properties. Recent studies show that it contains Gymnemic acid molecules responsible for its anti-diabetic action. They bind with glucose molecules in the intestines and inhibit their entry into the blood stream. Thus it is effective to control sugar level naturally.

4. Jamun

Syzigium cumini is a popular fruit tree growing wild in plains of India. The seeds of this tree are dried up and then a powder is made of them. The powder of the seeds of Jamun fruit is very effective in controlling sugar levels. It is astringent in taste which is opposite to sweet. Anything astringent in taste is useful for diseases caused by excessive sweetness like obesity and diabetes.

5. Bilva

Aegle marmelos tree has three leaves together on its branches. Any tree who has combination of three leaves is considered in Ayurveda as divine and seat of Lord Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh. The leaves are offered every Mondays in Shiva temples. This fruit of this tree is useful in irritable bowel syndrome. The leaves of Bilva are excellent for diabetes. The leaves are dried and powder is made and mixed with other herbs for better results.

6. Karela

Momordica charanatia juice of this fruit is a miracle in treating and preventing diabetes and its complications. 30 ml of Karela juice every morning empty stomach is recommended for best results. It can be taken along with Amla juice for better results, as Amla is rich in natural vitamin C and is also effective in diabetes. Karela contains natural chromium and other micronutrients, whereas Amla is also rich in natural anti-oxidants like vitamin C and others.

7. Methi

Trigonella-foenum-graecum - Since ages Fenugreek is being used as a medicine in India, Egypt, Middle east and other ancient civilizations. Fenugreek has excellent properties to bring sugar levels as well as cholesterol levels under control. The seed powder of Methi is used to lower down sugar levels. It can be mixed with herbs described above.

8. Neem

Azadirachta indica, Nimbin and Nimbidin are effective alkaloids found in neem. They act not only as blood purifiers but also controls sugar level very effectively. Neem is also useful in many skin diseases like eczema, psoriasis, rashes. The skin diseases associated with diabetes also respond to this herb quickly. It also helps in clearing away the blocked channels and maintains the flow of bile from within the liver and improves liver function.

9. Tulsi

Ocimum sanctum is popularly known as "The Holy Basil" is a sacred plant according to Hindu mythology. People in India worship this plant as it has tremendous medicinal properties. Regular use of leaves of this plant controls blood sugar levels very effectively. It is also useful in many types of cancers, viral and bacterial infections, sore throat, cough and cold etc.

10. Daruhaldi

Berberis aristata is a rhizome growing mainly in South India. The roots of this herb are taken out and grinded well. The herb powder stimulates pancreas to pump more insulin into blood. It also helps in preventing insulin resistance among cells. It acts as a channel opener for glucose into the cells. This also purifies the blood.

11. Haridra

Curcuma longa is very popular herb and is commonly called Turmeric. Turmeric powder is an effective anti-allergic, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory and one of the best natural anti-diabetic. It works in the same way as Berberis aristata. It helps in purifying the blood, channel opener, helps in reducing the insulin resistance and thus making the way for glucose into the cells. It is an effective herbal remedy for diabetes.

12. Sadabahar

Vinca rosea is always flowering plant, growing almost in every house in India. It is known as periwinkle in English. The plant contains very precious alkaloids "vincristine" and "vinblastine" which are used in allopathic medicine as anti-cancer injections. The herb leaves are very useful in controlling the diabetes. The herb leaves are mixed with other herbs described above to get good results.

13. Amla

Emblica officinalis is world's richest natural source of vitamin C and is nature's super anti-oxidant. One Amla contains 30 times more vitamin C than an orange. It prevents ageing and therefore delays the onset of complications of diabetes. Amla powder, Amla juice can be consumed regularly to get the benefits in diabetes and other diseases.

Factors for Developing Type II diabetes

As we know that there is no problem with the insulin production. It is there in the body in enough quantity, but the only problem is that it is not able to open the cells to make the glucose enter into them. All the glucose keep circulating within the blood. The cells become resistant to insulin.

The reasons for Insulin resistance are:

1. Obesity

The number one risk factor for Type 2 diabetes is obesity. Nearly 40 % of the patients suffering from Type II diabetes are obese. Excessive fat interferes with body’s ability to use insulin properly. According to Ayurveda this is called “ Stroto-avarodh” i.e. blocked channels. This blockage in the channels of passage of Insulin is reason for greater insulin resistance. Food and life style which cause blockage in the channels or “ Stroto-avarodh” are curd, banana, heavy greasy diet, overeating, excess daytime sleep. There are herbs which are useful in clearing the blockages and opening up the micro channels. These remove excessive fat from within the body. Herbs like Katuki (Picrorrhiza kurro), Vidang (Embelia ribes), Amalvetas (Garcinia cambogia), Triphala are useful in Type II diabetes because they open up the channels and helps in reducing the insulin resistance.

2. Sedentary Lifestyle

According to Charaka- an ancient Ayurvedic healer, lifestyle is damaging to health and bears responsibility for the growing obesity and diabetes. Inactivity and being overweight go hand in hand towards a diagnosis of Type 2. Muscle cells have more insulin receptors than fat cells, so a person can decrease insulin resistance by exercising. Sushruta another ancient Ayurveda surgeon explains by giving an analogy that who suffers from diabetes should walk at least 5 kilometers a day to Control sugar level naturally. This indicates that one must walking and being more active also lowers blood sugar levels by helping insulin to be more effective.

3. Unhealthy Eating Habits

90% of people who have been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes are overweight. Unhealthy eating contributes largely to obesity. Too much fat, not enough fiber, and too many simple carbohydrates all contribute to a diagnosis of diabetes. Eating right is can turn the diagnosis around and reverse or prevent Type 2.

4. Family History and Genetics

It appears that people who have family members who have been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes are at a greater risk for developing it themselves. Indians have a higher than normal rate of Type 2 diabetes. Having a genetic disposition towards Type 2 is not a guarantee of a diagnosis. Lifestyle plays an important part in determining who gets diabetes. So it can be prevented if we go for changed life style to avoid diabetes.

5. Increased Age

It's a very sad but true fact. The older we get, the risk of Type 2 diabetes is increased. Even if an elderly person is thin, he/she still may be predisposed to getting diabetes. As we age, the pancreas ages right along with us. It doesn't make enough insulin it did when we were younger. Also, as our cells age, they become more resistant to insulin as well.

6. Stress, High Blood Pressure and High Cholesterol

The hormones are under the control of our thought and our attitude towards events in life. The stress hormone immediately releases pool of glucose, corticosteroid hormones in our blood. There is immediate release of adrenal hormones, causing blood pressure and constriction of arteries. Not only do they damage your heart vessels but they are two key components in Metabolic syndrome, a cluster of symptoms including obesity, a high fat diet, and lack of exercise. Having metabolic syndrome increases your risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

This small book is an introduction to Ayurveda, written by Dr. Vikram Chauhan - MD (Ayurveda) This is useful for students, general public and people interested in natural remedies, yoga and herbs. Read More...